A Verge reporter argues that pricey handheld fans like Dyson's $99.99 HushJet Mini Cool or Shark's $149.99 ChillPill aren't necessary for staying cool in summer heat, having found cheaper alternatives from Chinese fan-maker JisuLife just as effective for everyday use. This matters for anyone weighing whether to splurge on premium cooling gadgets, since the review suggests basic, inexpensive models can perform just as reliably without the risk of losing or damaging an expensive device during busy summer outings.

The writer bought a pair of JisuLife Life10 S fans from Costco for CDN $25 each (around $32.99 on Amazon), far cheaper than JisuLife's higher-end models, which cost close to $100 and add features like reverse-charging and up to 100 speed settings. The Life10 S is basic but functional, with a sliding power switch to prevent accidental activation, five fan speeds via a single button, and a simple LCD battery display, running quietly for long stretches on one charge. By comparison, the reporter found Dyson's HushJet Mini Cool louder even on its lowest setting, despite its stronger airflow and more polished design, making the cheaper JisuLife fan the preferred everyday choice.